Got Swedish roots? Deadline is today for reality show/contest

Nebraskans who have a link to Sweden in their family backgrounds you could win a unique chance to explore that heritage.

Today is the deadline to apply to be a contestant on season three of a popular reality show in Sweden called “Everything for Sweden” or the “Great Swedish Adventure.”

Ten Americans are brought to Sweden each year and as they research their relatives, there are competitions about Swedish history and culture.

Brian Gerard from Louisville, Kentucky, was the winner for Season One. He says producers are looking for Nebraskans or other Americans who are passionate about their heritage, and can tell a story.

“If you go on the trip, you’ll be experiencing very powerful things, and some of those things can be emotional,” Gerard says. “As you experience Sweden for the first time, as you experience learning about your family and your ancestral heritage — and even walking those lands which feel sacred to you — you need to be able to talk about that.”

As part of the show, Gerard spent several weeks in Sweden visiting the places his ancestors lived and the churches they attended.

“That experience along with others really helped me to see and to feel and to know our family story more than just names on the family tree or stories from grandparents that had been passed down. To be quite honest, it was more powerful than words can describe,” Gerard says.

He says about 40 people will be interviewed in the US, then ten will be chosen to travel to Sweden in June for the start of the competition and filming. Each season is made up of eight, one-hour episodes.